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"Boca arriba" is a phrase which is often translated as "face up", and "abajo" is an adverb which is often translated as "down". Learn more about the difference between "boca arriba" and "abajo" below.
boca arriba(
boh
-
kah
ah
-
rree
-
bah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. face up
La fotografía cayó al suelo boca arriba y vi que en ella aparecía una mujer joven y guapa.The photograph fell face up onto the floor, and I saw that there was a young and beautiful woman in it.
b. on one's back (person)
El chico estaba tumbado en la arena boca arriba.The boy was lying on the sand on his back.
abajo(
ah
-
bah
-
hoh
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (position)
b. below
Me gusta bastante ese cuadro, pero prefiero el que está abajo.I quite like that painting, but I prefer the one below.
c. underneath
Él durmió en la litera de arriba y yo abajo.He slept on the top bunk, and I slept underneath.
2. (direction)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Haz un boceto del edificio visto desde abajo.Draw a sketch of the building seen from below.
Íbamos para abajo en el elevador cuando se descompuso.We were going down in the elevator when it broke down.
5. (after noun)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
La canoa avanzaba río abajo.The canoe moved downriver.
La riada arrastró los carros calle abajo.The flood swept the cars down the road.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Todo el equipo fue despedido, de la coordinadora para abajo.The entire team was fired, from the coordinator down.
Aceptamos a niños de 12 años para abajo.We admit children aged 12 or under.
7. (in a text)
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
